Tomorrow is Thanksgiving I can’t help but think about the turkey, the cranberry sauce, the stuffing, the mashed potatoes, and all things FOOD! And of course the blessings I have in my life, my kids, my husband, my family, our home, and most importantly our health. In this cycle of life as we like to call it we forget the biggest blessing we have, our health and our bodies. Our bodies are our true home to which our soul belongs. On a daily basis I see so many people on social media platforms striving to exercise and maintain a healthy lifestyle; Oh so motivating!!
Never have I met a person as motivated as my brother in law. How he manages to be a physician, active philanthropist (pretty much saving the world from Idaho to Nepal), my physician on call 24/7, and not to mention a cancer survivor, he never misses his exercise in the day. He’s the doc I’ll call after googling my symptoms and I’m convinced I have 24 hours to live. A chat with him in my day always inspires me in one way or another he’s always taught me that there’s no such thing as “I can’t” . He’s taught me not just by talking but by his actions and proving to me that in exercise and in life itself it’s all about ‘mind over matter’; If you push yourself and truly believe in something there’s nothing stopping you and that the sky is the limit! I think the man at this point knows a thing or two after all he rode his bike up the Rock of Gibraltar and has done countless marathons!
For me getting to exercise has been a challenge. I don’t want to exercise to lose weight, I want to exercise so I can keep my body healthy, it helps me relieve my stress, and gives me an opportunity to focus on myself. The summer was great the weather was warmer as the kids napped I’d grab my running shoes and go for a run or a hike. However in this bitter cold weather it’s so hard to step outside and get that push to exercise. Many people suggested a gym however it’s such a hassle to go for a 30 min workout with two kids or to leave them at home and go for a workout; the excuses are never ending.
Here I’ve compiled a list of incentives to keep me exercising despite the dropping temperatures outside.
- Invest in good workout shoes/clothes: If I look and feel good I feel energized and excited to get my workout started. Plus there’s nothing more exciting then slipping on a brand new pair of cushy running shoes! …Yes, this ones the shopaholic in me. For me I love graphic and empowering t-shirts and sweatshirts.
- Set realistic goals: Start off by going 2-3 days a week rather than pushing yourself to go everyday. Try changing up your workout each week. Setting realistic goals and then once achieving them rewarding yourself to shopping or something fun and spontaneous!
- Get your children to exercise with you: If you’re like me and have little children involve them in your workouts. During the summer I did a couple sessions of stroller boot camp.
- Inspirational quotes: Inspirational quotes on your mirror or your door help to remind you why exercise is important to you. And they get you moving with a positive attitude first thing in the morning or at least will get you to try!
- Find a workout buddy or join a fitness class: People have sworn by the motivation they get by knowing that someone else will be working out with them. Sometimes even a pet, so maybe it’s time to get that super cute puppy you’ve been dreaming about and hit the trails with your new pal!
- Good workout entertainment: A playlist, an audio book, a movie or show, no one said you can’t multitask and binge watch Gilmore Girls while working out or even listen to an audio book or some beats to keep your booty moving!
If you’re like me and are having a tough time finding that motivation to workout this winter I’d love for you to try at least one of these incentives and let me know how they worked for you! I’ll do the same! Challenge myself to at least a workout 2-3 times a week. Why wait for the New Year and another resolution!?! I’d rather start now and have a solid foundation for a healthier New Year come January 2018!!!
xoxo,
Kitty